Million Big Gulp March to protest proposed NYC soda ban

In this May 31, 2012 file photo, a man leaves a 7-Eleven store with a Double Gulp drink, in New York. / File, AP Photo/Richard Drew

(CBS News) A group of angry citizens are scheduled to protest Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed soda ban on Monday.

NYC ban on big sodas could face legal test
Bloomberg soda ban: Board of Health eyes popcorn and milkshakes
Foes hit "Nanny" Bloomberg over sugary drink plan

At least 500 protesters are expected to take part at the "Million Big Gulp March" at City Park Hall starting at 4:30 p.m, according to NYC Liberty HQ spokesman Zach Huff. Working Family Party councilwoman Letitia James and city councilman and Republican nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives Daniel Halloran are scheduled to speak. Huff said that the rally -- which is not aligned with any political party -- is more than just about the soda ban, but is a protest against the idea that the government is dictating how people should live.

"Before, the government was instituted to protect the rights of everyone and prevent crime, and now it's cracking down the rights of everyone," Huff told CBS News.

"It's astonishing we have a mayor who is pro-choice when it comes to what a woman can do with her body but isn't pro-choice with simple choices, like soda container sizes," he added.

Huff said he expected people who are angry with the city's smoking ban and table salt ban to join the movement as well.

Video: NYC Mayor Bloomberg's war on obesity
Bloomberg scoffs at critics on soft drink rules: "We're not taking anything away"

Bloomberg's proposed soda ban would make it illegal for restaurants, delis, movie theaters, stadiums and street carts to sell sodas and sugary drinks over 16 ounces. Diet sodas that contain fewer than 25 calories per 8-ounce serving, fruit juices, dairy drinks and alcoholic beverages would be exempt, as well as vending machines, groceries, convenience stores and newsstands that do not have to be regulated by the city's health department.

"If government's purpose isn't to improve the health and longevity of its citizens, I don't know what its purpose is," Bloomberg told CBS This Morning.

Huff said the group chose the name because it was catchy and understand that under Bloomberg's rules Big Gulps -- because they are sold at a convenience store -- would not be barred from being sold.

A recent NY1-Marist poll found that 53 percent of New Yorkers were against the ban, while only 42 percent of them agreed with the proposal. More than half of the people said they never ordered a drink large enough to be banned.

An 11-member health panel approved the proposal on June 12. Public hearings begin July 24, with a final vote scheduled on Sept. 13. If approved, regulations will go into effect on March 31.

"Every study shows that you will eat a very big proportion of whatever's put in front of you," Bloomberg said to CBS News. "And if you have to make a conscious effort to go to another cup, you're less likely to do it."

8 Photos

New York City's ban on big sodas

[robintoledo]

This guy needs to resign.

[FordGalaxie]

The BigGulp March will be a failure. Too fat to walk. Perhaps a "Big Gulp air conditioned SUV driving protest" might be more fitting.

[IAMCS]

It is foolish to think the banning of a size of soda will stop obesity. This is just a crazy interference of Government in people's personal lives. What is next, Ban on Big Mac's, Snicker Bars, Pizza? This ban is really hard to believe...especially here in U.S. ***?

[fiddlestickawshucks]

Table salt, smoking, soda, popcorn and milkshakes.!

Bloomberg has really lost it.!!

What rock has he been living under that he has not heard that the American people have had enough interference in our lives by the government.??

Has he not recognized that the more government does to "help" us, the more we suffer.??

Since he will not run for Mayor again; what is it he is trying to do.?

If he doesn't knock it off, he will go down in history as one of the Mayors of New York who was allowed to continue in Office even though he was suffering from dementia.!

[KnowerseekerReturns]

Maybe if those fat soda drinkers keep protesting -- and *marching* -- they will lose their weight!

[foodandart]

Well then, all things being equal, the Mayor of New York should allow the city's hospitals that pick up the cost of obesity-related diseases to refuse to admit the overweight and obese.

After all, that COST to NYC just for obesity alone is now four BILLION dollars each year.

FOUR BILLION DOLLARS.

[gnimelf1968]

Really? Where did you get your facts? All that is just obesity related? You're obviously one of those suckers that believes everything they hear and doesn't think at all for themselves. That's exactly what people who want you to think their way and the media do it, they EXAGGERATE. Find some facts for yourself for a change, not through the media. Read something other than a newspaper, online or otherwise. They all lie to generate readership.

[Nocults]

This is a free country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone has the right to be as fat as possible, and bankrupt the nation with medical bills for their obesity.

[gnimelf1968]

All of you morons keep harping about medical costs but you're all for Obamacare. The day they decided this was "constitutional", we no longer lived in a free country. All you idiots who want this stuff, why don't you move to a country that has all the handouts you want and leave us to our freedoms. I'm sick of supporting you useless people who do nothing but complain about everything being "unfair" and won't lift a finger to change your own lives.